Harrisburg Tigers: Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Harrisburg Tigers enter the 2025–26 season right where they so often find themselves, firmly positioned among South Dakota's elite Class AA contenders. Few programs in the state reach March as consistently as Harrisburg, and last year's fourth-place finish only reinforced their status as a perennial State Tournament presence. Now, with another winter approaching, the Tigers have their sights set on not just returning to the big stage, but climbing even higher. The expectations are high, the belief is real, and the program once again carries a championship-level standard into the new season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">Guiding the way is head coach <strong>Scott Langerock,</strong> widely respected as one of the top coaches in South Dakota basketball. His teams are known for discipline, playing the right way, taking good shots, game preparation, and the ability to maximize talent across the roster. With a full offseason of development and another preseason filled with competitive practices, the Tigers look like a group that has already begun to forge its identity, and exceed expectations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">Harrisburg officially tips off the season on December 12th on the road at Yankton, always a challenging place to play and a perfect early test for a team with high aspirations. The excitement inside the Harrisburg community is unmistakable. Fans believe this squad has the pieces to make another deep postseason push, and the players have embraced the elevated expectations that come with wearing the Tigers jersey.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whether it's their trademark toughness, their depth, or their ability to adapt to different styles of play, Harrisburg once again looks like a team built for the long haul. If everything comes together the way it's trending, the Tigers could very well find themselves right back in the mix when March rolls around. One thing is certain: it's shaping up to be a fun and competitive winter of hoops in Harrisburg.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3188103,"width":"272px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.659676113360324","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_e2ceca.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_e2ceca.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3188103" style="aspect-ratio:1.659676113360324;width:272px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.easternsouthdakotaconference.org/g5-bin/client.cgi?cwellOnly=1&amp;G5statusflag=view&amp;schoolname=&amp;school_id=294&amp;G5button=13&amp;G5genie=165&amp;vw_schoolyear=1&amp;vw_agl=7-2-11,&amp;manual_access=1">Click Here for the Harrisburg Schedule</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top Returners</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"11px","fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-size:11px;font-style:normal;font-weight:100"><em>*Comments from Coach Langerock</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1641478"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69365387ca942"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>All-State Tournament team last spring. Strong and athletic player that can finish through contact and has a great catch and shoot 3 pt shot. Has committed to play at Dakota State University next fall. He has improved greatly on the defensive end and will need to rebound consistently for us this year as well. He will need to play most minutes and will need to impact all areas of the game for us.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1641209"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69365387ca99f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>6 ppg, 2 rpg. Crayton shot the ball at 45% from 3 last year as our 6th man. He has added 15 pounds of muscle and will need to use it on both ends. He has a good 1st step and pull-up jumper game that will help. He will need to defend with toughness and help us rebound.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2250312"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69365387ca9e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>2 ppg. Myles came off the bench for minutes last year and gives us physical and aggressive play from the guard position. He will be counted on to contribute on the play-making side of things on both ends. He has a solid pull-up jump shot game. He will be one of our primary ball handlers.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2338813"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69365387caa25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>David gained valuable minutes at the varsity level last year off the bench. He is a strong and athletic wing that can change speed and get to the rim and finish in contact. He will continue to improve his jumper to add to his offensive threat. David has great instincts on the defensive end and as he becomes more disciplined, will impact that end of the floor as well.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Newcomers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641480' first='Owen' last='Sylliaasen'] (2026) 6'1”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Athletic wing that gets to the paint with the bounce in space. He will also be asked to help us be a stopper on defense and utilize his athleticism and rebounding ability.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641207' first='Cole' last='Kooiker'] (2026) 6'0”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Cole can shoot the 3 at a high level. Cole has a high basketball IQ and does a great job of finding space for the kick. He will continue to improve on the defensive end to help us put pressure on the perimeter.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2250339' first='Bennett' last='Jensen'] (2027) 6'0”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Will be asked to help with point guard responsibilities. Terrific court vision and his 1st &amp; 2nd steps are great. Will need to develop discipline and ball security to help us limit our TO's.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2338075' first='Connor' last='Clark'] (2026) 6'4”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Connor is a strong component to our roster that will be asked to defend the paint and rebound. Connor has good feet and can step out and hit the 3. He plays with lots of emotion for us.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2468988' first='Hudson' last='Hillman'] (2027) 6'2”</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Hudson will be asked to develop into an impact player of the bench as the season progresses. He has competitiveness that allows him to step up and make plays when they are needed. He is always around the ball and can rebound and finish.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tiger Info from Scott Langerock</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Season Outlook</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>The Tigers will look to play with high expectations. We feel like we have a good skill set with our roster and guys that are considered shot makers. If we can play with pace and space, we feel like we can create great scoring opportunities. Our success will depend on our development on the rebounding front and the physical toughness front to guard the paint and keep the ball in front of us on the perimeter.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Defensive Goals</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>1- Limit the paint attack off the dribble.</em>"<br>"<em>2- Limit and be ready to defend the post touches.</em>"<br>"<em>3- Finish possessions with a rebound</em>"<br>"<em>4- Primarily man-to-man defense, but will do what we need to get in a flow on the defensive end.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Off-season</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Our off-season continues to be great. Guys are very committed to skill development in our gym and adding some club opportunities for some games and tournaments. Our focus in the off-season is to make shots and get stronger in the weight room.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Style of Play</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We want to demonstrate the competitiveness it takes to win big games. Making the play at the time of the game that is needed.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Goals</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Our goal is to always be able to host a SoDak16 game and play in the State Tourney. We hope to be in the conversation to be in the top 2/3 of our ESD and METRO conference standings.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coaching Staff</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Lucky to have our staff stay together. <strong>Andy Kleinjan</strong>- 13th year. <strong>Taro Fujiomot</strong>- 8th year. <strong>Darin Dahle</strong>- 12th year. <strong>Greg Hammerquist</strong> 10th year. <strong>David Nour</strong>- 3rd year at HS, was MS coach for 10+ years.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>These guys do a tremendous job on understanding and developing our athletes. They build relationships with our players that foster a fun environment for the program.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top 6 Players in Class AA</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>1. [player_tooltip player_id='1641205' first='Sam' last='Ericsson']- SF Lincoln, 2. [player_tooltip player_id='2250311' first='Brody' last='Schafer']- SF Lincoln, 3. [player_tooltip player_id='1949563' first='Sam' last='DeGroot']- SF Lincoln, 4. [player_tooltip player_id='2137320' first='Deondre' last='Painter']- SF Roosevelt, 5. [player_tooltip player_id='1467166' first='Blake' last='Ellwein']- Huron, 6. [player_tooltip player_id='2348517' first='Davis' last='Chase']- Huron</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE TIGERS!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3189205,"width":"468px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.659676113360324","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_e0d68a.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/image_e0d68a.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3189205" style="aspect-ratio:1.659676113360324;width:468px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->